A Collaborative Cinematic Project Strengthening Cultural Ties Between India and Russia
The GTTCI Trade Chamber (GTTCI) and Telesto Company, LLC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 19th December 2025 to jointly produce a feature film titled “Namaste, Alice!”, marking a significant step in Indo-Russian cultural cooperation.
Founded in 2004, Telesto Production Company is a well-established Russian film and television production house known for creating high-quality, contemporary, and positive cinema. Having begun with television projects, Telesto has successfully expanded into all major formats of modern filmmaking, including television films, series, short films, and feature films, earning recognition for its strong storytelling and production excellence.
The company is led by Ms. Elena Glikman, a graduate of the Faculty of Journalism at Moscow State University, who also completed advanced training in screenwriting and film direction. Since 1991, she has co-headed the acclaimed Reporter TV Studio with Mr. Mikhail Degtyar, a studio honoured with multiple TEFI Awards and international accolades. Notable Telesto productions include The Elephant, On the Edge, White Road, and The Gulls.
Under the agreement, GTTCI Chairperson Dr. Rashmi Saluja and Telesto Company, LLC General Director E. I. Glikman formalized the partnership to develop and release the film. Based on a script by Ms. Elena Zhuravleva, the project will be an adventure/romantic-comedy, presented in Russian, Hindi, and English, with an approximate runtime of 120 minutes.
The film “Namaste, Alice!” is envisioned as a truly collaborative Indo-Russian cinematic endeavour, with principal shooting scheduled across iconic locations in both India and Russia. By showcasing the cultural richness, landscapes, and everyday life of both nations, the film aims to present an authentic and engaging narrative that resonates with audiences across borders. The project will feature a blend of actors, creative professionals, and technical crew from India and Russia, ensuring meaningful participation and representation from both countries throughout the filmmaking process.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the esteemed presence of renowned Russian documentary filmmaker and director Mr. Mikhail Degtyar, acclaimed Russian director and actor Mr. Kirill Degtyar whose presence further underscored the importance of this initiative.
Rooted in the long-standing India–Russia cultural relationship, the film draws inspiration from the historic popularity of Bollywood in Russia, particularly the timeless legacy of Raj Kapoor, whose cinema once captivated Russian audiences. By rekindling this golden era of cinematic exchange, the project seeks to revive shared nostalgia, foster people-to-people connections, and further strengthen the cultural bonds and mutual goodwill between the two nations.
This joint production is expected to serve as a powerful platform for strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Russia. Cinema, as a universal language, has long played a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and emotional connect, and this project seeks to build upon that legacy. By bringing together artists, technicians, and storytellers from both nations, the film will encourage cultural exchange, professional collaboration, and deeper interpersonal bonds, thereby contributing positively to the broader framework of bilateral relations.
Beyond its artistic and entertainment value, “Namaste, Alice!” represents a significant soft diplomacy initiative, reinforcing cultural diplomacy as an essential pillar of the India–Russia strategic partnership. Such collaborations not only revive historical cultural affinities but also align with contemporary diplomatic efforts to strengthen engagement at the societal level, particularly among younger generations.
Representing GTTCI, Mr. Shubham Gupta, Director – GTTCI, was also present during the signing, reflecting the Council’s strong institutional commitment to promoting cross-cultural collaboration and international creative partnerships.
Both parties will now proceed to finalize the detailed production agreement and initiate pre-production activities for “Namaste, Alice!”, a film envisioned to deepen cultural understanding and celebrate the enduring friendship between India and Russia.
Through this landmark project, GTTCI and Telesto Company, LLC reaffirm their shared vision of using cinema as a bridge between nations, celebrating friendship, cultural harmony, and the enduring bonds between the people of India and Russia.